#EmbraceEquity: Celebrating International Women’s Day at Portico

March 8 has become a staple in the calendar.

 

Each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the achievements of women, raises awareness about discrimination and inspires action to reduce the gender gap in societies all over the world.

 

IWD began all the way back in 1911, many years before women were enfranchised with the vote in the UK. March 8 has been the annual marker of IWD since the beginning of the First World War in 1914– ever since, it has evolved into a global movement where people mark the occasion in whatever manner they deem most relevant, engaging and impactful in light of their context and audience.

 

Every year, International Women’s Day is underpinned by a theme, with 2023’s IWD centring around #EmbraceEquity.

 

It seeks to distinguish equity from equality. The purpose of the campaign is to get the world talking about why equal opportunities are not enough – because people’s starting points in life vary so wildly, true inclusion and belonging requires equitable action that allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.

 

The distinction is neatly summarised by Susan K Gardner, Dean for the College of Education at Oregon State University:

 

“Equality is giving everyone a show. Equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits.”

 

How is Portico marking IWD 2023?

 

To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, Portico is hosting a Leaders Breakfast on March 8 at the fabulous 116 Pall Mall.

 

Open to all women at the company, the aim of the event is to network with colleagues, meet interesting people and take part in important discussions around how we can drive change to bring about equity.

 

The Portico family is fortunate to be home to many inspirational women who go above and beyond for our customers. March 8 is also an opportunity to give something back for the immense contributions they make every day of the year.